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_myliteraryobsession's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
valerylh's review against another edition
4.0
Really charming characters and story - thoroughly enjoyed the audio version.
eabrevaya's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
lauralovestoread's review against another edition
5.0
“Wonderful adventures await for those who dare to find them.”
As I got ready to travel to London this past month, I wanted a book that would set the stage and get me into the mood for all things London. This book was the perfect choice and I fell in love with Hazel Gaynor’s writing.
With the glitz and glamour that only the 1920’s era in London can provide, Gaynor illustrates the picture of what stardom really looked like at that time. Fresh from the war that affected so many, blooms a love story between a housemaid named Dorothy Lane, and her childhood love Teddy. As the story intertwines as she finds her way amid a new life in London, working at a swanky hotel, called the Savoy and reminiscing about life with Teddy before the war and heartache, and chasing her dreams as a chorus girl on stage.
As I got ready to travel to London this past month, I wanted a book that would set the stage and get me into the mood for all things London. This book was the perfect choice and I fell in love with Hazel Gaynor’s writing.
With the glitz and glamour that only the 1920’s era in London can provide, Gaynor illustrates the picture of what stardom really looked like at that time. Fresh from the war that affected so many, blooms a love story between a housemaid named Dorothy Lane, and her childhood love Teddy. As the story intertwines as she finds her way amid a new life in London, working at a swanky hotel, called the Savoy and reminiscing about life with Teddy before the war and heartache, and chasing her dreams as a chorus girl on stage.
thebooktrail88's review against another edition
5.0
Travel to the literary settings of : The Girl from the Savoy
There’s few novels that touch me in the way that this one has. I’m also fascinated with the jazz age and would quite like to take a peak inside the Savoy hotel so this novel ticks more than one box for me. The writing and the loving detail which builds up a complex and lush painting of that time and period however is what makes this read a five star one.
I loved Dolly from page one – and it was fascinating to go with her on her journey from maid in a regular house to one in the Savoy hotel. The level of hierarchy and rules that come from working with some of the rich and famous was often shocking to read but it was the hierarchy below stairs which was the worst. Each member of staff, each girl came to life with their chatter and polish of the stairs. The stars who glide through the hotel (and make even more mess it would seem than the rest of us) are shown to be indifferent at best or predatory at worse with the maids who clean their rooms. Staff are not allowed in the main hall and there is hell on when one of them happens to be there.
The world of the theatre and of dreaming to be on the stage is lovingly captured and I was drawn deep into the excitement of waiting for the curtain to go up, the random last minute whispers from the orchestra, the smell of the greasepaint and the excited chatter of those backstage. Seeing it through the eyes of established star Loretta and Dolly who dreams of nothing else really gave a full and fascinating picture of behind the scenes and how a passion for something can make your life so much richer and rescue you in other ways.
The story of the two women is exquisite and so very sad when you read on and discover their pasts and yearnings. I cried for what could have been and what was. It’s very emotional and I really felt invested in the characters so much that this book affected me when I ‘d finished reading it. I’m still thinking of them days after and will no doubt they’ll still be with me for a long time to come.
Highly recommended!
There’s few novels that touch me in the way that this one has. I’m also fascinated with the jazz age and would quite like to take a peak inside the Savoy hotel so this novel ticks more than one box for me. The writing and the loving detail which builds up a complex and lush painting of that time and period however is what makes this read a five star one.
I loved Dolly from page one – and it was fascinating to go with her on her journey from maid in a regular house to one in the Savoy hotel. The level of hierarchy and rules that come from working with some of the rich and famous was often shocking to read but it was the hierarchy below stairs which was the worst. Each member of staff, each girl came to life with their chatter and polish of the stairs. The stars who glide through the hotel (and make even more mess it would seem than the rest of us) are shown to be indifferent at best or predatory at worse with the maids who clean their rooms. Staff are not allowed in the main hall and there is hell on when one of them happens to be there.
The world of the theatre and of dreaming to be on the stage is lovingly captured and I was drawn deep into the excitement of waiting for the curtain to go up, the random last minute whispers from the orchestra, the smell of the greasepaint and the excited chatter of those backstage. Seeing it through the eyes of established star Loretta and Dolly who dreams of nothing else really gave a full and fascinating picture of behind the scenes and how a passion for something can make your life so much richer and rescue you in other ways.
The story of the two women is exquisite and so very sad when you read on and discover their pasts and yearnings. I cried for what could have been and what was. It’s very emotional and I really felt invested in the characters so much that this book affected me when I ‘d finished reading it. I’m still thinking of them days after and will no doubt they’ll still be with me for a long time to come.
Highly recommended!
kalkie's review against another edition
4.0
I loved this book. The characters were great and the setting of the early 20's was vivid and engaging. A great read.
sunflowerhalo's review against another edition
5.0
Spectacular! A must-read!
I absolutely loved this story!!! It was so beautifully written and very touching. You were taken right into the mind of this ordinary young woman with dreams as big as the sky. The descriptions of 1920's England: the fashion, the music, the class differences were so detailed and fantastic that you couldn't help but feel you were there. It didn't end how I expected but I am not disappointed. There were so many incredible quotes and life lessons that I won't soon forget. It's a must-read!
I absolutely loved this story!!! It was so beautifully written and very touching. You were taken right into the mind of this ordinary young woman with dreams as big as the sky. The descriptions of 1920's England: the fashion, the music, the class differences were so detailed and fantastic that you couldn't help but feel you were there. It didn't end how I expected but I am not disappointed. There were so many incredible quotes and life lessons that I won't soon forget. It's a must-read!